Civilization: The West and the Rest (Paperback)

From the bestselling author ofThe Ascent ofMoneyandThe Square and the Tower

[W]ritten with vitality and verve . . . a tour de force.BostonGlobe

Western civilizations rise to global dominance is the single most importanthistorical phenomenon of the past five centuries.

How did the West overtake its Eastern rivals? And has the zenith of Westernpower now passed? Acclaimed historian Niall Ferguson argues that beginning inthe fifteenth century, the West developed six powerful new concepts, or killerapplicationscompetition, science, the rule of law, modern medicine,consumerism, and the work ethicthat the Rest lacked, allowing it to surge pastall other competitors.

Yet now, Ferguson shows how the Rest have downloaded the killer apps the Westonce monopolized, while the West has literally lost faith in itself.Chronicling the rise and fall of empires alongside clashes (and fusions) ofcivilizations,Civilization:The West and the Restrecastsworld history with force and wit. Boldly argued and teeming with memorablecharacters, this is Ferguson at his very best.